The Earth Science Picture of the Day (EPOD) highlights the diverse processes and phenomena which shape our planet and our lives. EPOD will collect and archive photos, imagery, graphics, and artwork with short explanatory captions and links exemplifying features within the Earth system. The community is invited to contribute digital imagery, short captions and relevant links.

Triumphant Conjunction

Shown above are three views of the splendid conjunction of Venus and Jupiter (and the Moon) that's been visible all across the globe since late February. Also, check out additional photos on our Facebook page. The top photo features a 360-degree panoramic view of the conjunction at twilight. It was captured on February 27, 2012 from Stephansried, Germany. The waxing, crescent Moon is at upper left and Venus is a little above and to the left of the large oak tree. Additionally, note the antitwilight arch, pinkish band of scattered sunlight, at the 6:00-7:00 position.

The photo at bottom left was taken from Leiden, The Netherlands on March 15 at 7:51 p.m. (local time). Only Jupiter and Venus are in the frame -- Venus is above Jupiter. At bottom right, the waxing crescent Moon, Venus and Jupiter (Jupiter is a speck of light below and slightly to the right of Venus and the Moon) are set off by the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France as observed in the early evening hours of March 25.